You see them barreling down the highways and freeways all the time. They are the massive 18-wheel semi trucks and passenger buses. They look like the kings of the road and they often act like it as well. The drivers of these massive rigs drive above the speed limits in an effort to make their routes on schedule. They often drive with little sleep, which makes them more prone to deadly accidents.
Federal regulators hope a new rule will make bus and commercial truck drivers safer on the roads. The rule bans cell phone use by interstate bus and truck drivers. Federal officials hope states will follow their lead and enact similar cell phone bans on intrastate bus and truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) worked together on the rule, which they hope will make the big rigs a safer presence on the road.
Drivers who flaunt the rule face a $2,750 fine and their employers face a $11,000 fine if they allow their drivers to use cell phones while driving their vehicles. An FMCSA spokesperson said commercial drivers need to stay focused on the road and keep their hands on the wheel.
Thanks to a Cincinnati truck accident firmfor bringing this federal ruleto our attention back in its proposal stages.
Do you think this will cut down on the number of truck accidents and bus accidents?
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyers